The West Seattle High School Foundation, with the support of the Parent Teacher Student Association and the Alumni Association, announced the first annual Back-to-School Breakfast Bash

The breakfast is slated to take place at the high school next Wednesday. Doors open at 7 a.m., with the one-hour program beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The event is open to the public free, and will feature a pancake breakfast, entertainment by staff and students, and appearances by Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson, West Seattle School Board Director Steve Sundquist, and King County Councilmember Dow Constantine, amongst others.

Organizers say they hope to communicate and reinforce the direct connection between the high school and the broader West Seattle community, inspiring support for young people from neighbors and local businesses as the school year begins.

"Too often we treat schools as islands set apart from the local community," said Constantine, a 1980 graduate who also serves as co-vice president of the foundation. "But to be truly successful, a school's support network must include local residents, business owners, service groups, and alumni. No community, anywhere, is better positioned to provide that level of support to its schools than West Seattle."

In addition to food and entertainment, those in attendance will hear from school leaders about the year to come, see presentations by student groups, and have the opportunity to fund specific items directly related to student achievement.

"Everyone cares about education, but many people who are well positioned to help local students haven't been asked and don't know how to approach schools and offer assistance," said Christy Rowe, the foundation's president. "This breakfast is part of a broader effort by the Foundation and others to reach out and get them involved.

The West Seattle High School Foundation raises money to purchase necessary items left unfunded by the cash-starved District budget, including musical instruments, choir robes, sports equipment, audio/visual equipment for the school's theatre, and much more.

Admission is free, and donations will be gratefully accepted to fund specific needs presented during the breakfast. Space is limited, so those who can attend are asked to RSVP with Dick Lee at Seattle Public Schools. Lee can be reached at rjlee@seattleschools.org or 252-0476.